Crest Mountain Trail

Crest Mountain Trail is a hard day hike in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The route is an out-and-back of about 12.1 km (7.5 miles) with roughly 1,276 m of elevation gain.

Expect steep switchbacks as the signature challenge, with climbing starting through forested terrain before you work toward the alpine. The grade is sustained enough that pace and footing matter on the way up and again when you’re coming back down.

Around 1 km into the hike, you pass a waterfall and stream. That area is described as the last reliable water before you reach higher, more exposed sections.

As you break through treeline, the trail trends more level for a stretch and takes you past alpine lakes where you can pause before the final push.

From the lakes, the climb to the crest and summit is typically about 20 minutes. The top is described as providing broad 360-degree views over Strathcona Provincial Park.

Seasonally, the trail is best hiked from July to October, after alpine snow has cleared so the higher sections are more accessible on foot.

More information: Wikipedia, Crest (@Crest) / Posts / X, CREST Definition & Meaning